Dog-friendly Scotland
Explore Scotland's dog-friendly destinations for an ideal holiday with your four-legged friend. Whether it's a quaint hotel, cosy cottage, B&B, or a charming country house, find the perfect spot for a short break with your pooch. Discover stunning Scottish landscapes and create lasting memories on your next adventure.
Aviemore, Scotland
5.00This wonderful detached property, with its own hot tub in a private garden, enjoys a quiet setting, yet it is only 1½ miles from the lively centre of Aviemore. Providing guests with an unforgettable holiday experience, Birch Corner offers spacious and beautifully presented holiday accommodation with your every need having been thought of.
Aviemore nestles in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park at the head of the Speyside Way and boasts a wonderful range of shops, restaurants and bars. The area also offers a very wide range of outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, zip lining, climbing, hill walking plus a variety of watersports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey, to name just a few of the myriad of activities available. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Landmark Centre in nearby Carrbridge or take a trip to the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, all of which are within easy reach. About 12 miles from Kingussie, lies the Ardverikie Estate, which has been the setting for films including the BBC TV’s drama series ’Monarch of the Glen’, as well as the location for movies such as ’The Missionary’ and ’Mrs Brown’.
Another visitor attraction for all the family to enjoy, not far from Kingussie, is the Highland Folk Museum, which offers an insight into Highland life in a living history setting. All in all, this is a fantastic base for exploring the many delights that this area has to offer, and there is so much to see and do for all ages. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£158From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Insch, ScotlandSet in 27 acres of grounds, this delightful house forms the north wing of the owners’ mansion. Dating back to 1687, the house is steeped in history and The Mews was added in 1842. The house has its original 1840 layout. Unfortunately there are no upstairs bathrooms as planning will not allow as the building is B listed. The house is conveniently laid out for family groups or couples with the bedroom areas accessed by two separate staircases on either side of a central lounge and kitchen area. On one side there are 2 adjoining bedrooms one can only be accessed via the other one, ideal for a family but not suitable for unrelated couples. There is a 48 bottle wine fridge in the kitchen which is well equipped but not overly large though you can seat 4 for dining. The dining room seats 8 in comfort.
Outside, guests have free access to the extensive walled garden at the rear and the parkland at the front, inhabited by the owners’ miniature Shetland pony herd and which leads down to a beautiful small lake with an island. An idyllic retreat, guests can explore the grounds or enjoy the many activities available in the area. Nearby, the Hill of Bennachie is a great place for walks, whilst the Lochter Centre near Inverurie (11 miles) offers outdoor activities to suit everyone, from archery to Segway and from go-karting to clay pigeon shooting, and much more! This is castle country and there are 14 of Scotland’s finest to choose from. Golf, fishing, and riding are all within easy reach in the area and there is a good selection of shops and eating places both in Insch and nearby Inverurie. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 800 yards.£104From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Arden, Scotland"Stunning cottages in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park..."
Situated in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park, these stunning holiday properties have been lovingly restored and furnished to provide wonderful retreats.
Auchendennan Farm Cottage (SLLX) is a single-storey holiday cottage; within the house there is a large family sauna which can be used as an ideal way to unwind. Outside on the sun decking, there is a sunken hot tub which is large enough for all the family and powerful enough to give tired muscles a proper massage. Rose Cottage (SRRG) is a single-storey conversion adjoining the owner’s farmhouse. Combining modern and traditional furnishings, the property boasts a superb hot tub and external sun decked area for relaxing and unwinding. Burnbeag (SVVE) is a stunning, detached cottage to the rear of the steadings and has a stream running through its private enclosed garden, which has a decked area and hot tub. Courtyard Studio (SVVD) is a single-storey barn conversion set in the courtyard, behind the main house. Chestnut Cottage (SXXO), Willow Cottage (SXXP), Primrose Cottage (SXXQ) and Ivy Cottage (SXXR) are all pretty single-storey, semi-detached holiday cottages, with open-plan living areas and a cosy, wood-burning stove.
In summer, Loch Lomond’s ancient oak woods ring with birdsong. Look out for redstarts, pied flycatchers and wood warblers. Ospreys are summer visitors to the loch and nearby Lake of Menteith. In the high country of Breadalbane, golden eagles may be seen soaring over mountain slopes richly carpeted in alpine plants. Watch out for porpoises and seals and glimpse Loch Lomond’s herd of fallow deer as they bound through the trees. Loch Lomond and Loch Earn are some of Scotland’s prime venues for sailing and water-skiing, while the rivers Balvaig and Teith are popular with canoeists. The Teith is also a great salmon river and one of many places popular with anglers. For golfing enthusiasts, the famous courses of Loch Lomond are just a short distance from the property, with an abundance of courses for all standards within easy reach.
Walking is a popular pursuit, from gentle low-level strolls to strenuous mountain climbs. Ben Lomond, Ben Lui, Ben Ime and Ben Vorlich are among the 21 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet). The West Highland Way stretches from the edge of Glasgow to Fort William, hugging the banks of Loch Lomond and passing through the spectacular mountain scenery of Strathfillan. There are great opportunities for cycling on and off road on National Cycle Network Route 7, which passes through the National Park from Balloch to Killin. Cameron House, the 5 star golf/spa resort is just minutes from the property where one can enjoy fine dining, day spa packages and championship golf. Lomond Shores, again a short distance from the property, offers designer shopping, loch cruises and an aquarium. The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible by car boasting award winning restaurants, theatres, galleries and concert venues, designer shopping as well as many tourist attractions including the breath-taking Edinburgh Castle. Shops 2 miles, pub ¼ mile.
Auchendennan Farm Cottage (SLLX) can be booked together with Rose Cottage (SRRG) to accommodate up to 10 guests.£389From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
ScotlandSituated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious apartment boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. A popular destination for fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing. Loch Fad offers the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout and is only 3 miles away. Relax as you explore the gently undulating hills, catch glimpses of the wildlife and marvel at the vistas.
Seaview Cottage (UK4769) is perfect for a couple’s getaway, offering a comfortable double bedroom with an additional sofa bed for flexible sleeping. The cottage also boasts a private garden with enclosed seaview patio and bubbling hot tub for cosy evenings under the stars.
For such a compact island, Bute offers varied landscapes from the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island’s heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline. A haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Bute has a wealth of wildlife including wild goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay, set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is home to a large colony of seals.
There are many historical sites to visit including the standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age Fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, open to the public along with its beautiful gardens, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig. There are many events held throughout the year, including the famous annual Jazz Festival, the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals; whatever your interest it can be found on the Isle of Bute. Catch the ferry for the 5-minute trip to Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula and explore Argyll’s Secret Coast where you have easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, or head north to Inverary and beyond. Take the ferry from Portavadie over to Jura and Islay, and Tarbert where you can explore Kintyre. Beach 50 yards.£218From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Banavie, ScotlandLapwing Rise has four double bedrooms, all en-suite, sleeping eight guest. You also have a fabulous hot tub to relax in. Enjoying wonderful views across the Caledonian Canal to Ben Nevis, the Aonach Mor ski range and Glen Nevis, this bright and spacious detached bungalow is situated on a working croft in one of the most spectacular parts of the Highlands. There is a wealth of activities in the area, including skiing, climbing, hill walking, mountain biking, sailing, fishing and golf. Although rural the property is not isolated; the local shop is 0.75 miles and pub and restaurant are a very short walk away. During the summer the West Highland steam train, as seen in Harry Potter Films, passes close by en route to Mallaig, where ferries depart for Skye and the small isles. Fort William, ‘the outdoor capital of the Highlands’ is just 4 miles away. It boasts a variety of excellent facilities, including swimming pool, and restaurants. The property makes an ideal base for touring the numerous places of interest in the region, including Glencoe, Loch Ness and the beautiful unspoilt Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Shop 0.75 miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards.
Lapwing Rise can be booked together with UK33901 Stepps Cottage (sleeps 8) which is next door.£98From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Dalwhinnie, ScotlandEnjoying a peaceful setting with wonderful views across open countryside towards the Cairngorm Mountains, this spacious detached house has been equipped and furnished to a very good standard to ensure as relaxing and comfortable holiday as possible. Set in the heart of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, Truim Cottage makes the perfect base for exploring the lovely part of the Scottish Highlands. Located close to Aviemore, Kingussie and Newtonmore, with easy access to Fort William, Oban, Inverness, the Highland capital, and the stunning beauty of the west coast and Isle of Skye, Truim Cottage is a superb point to set off from. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast with hill walking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, golf, and watersports on Loch Morlich and Loch Ericht, are just a few of the many activities available. For the less energetic, sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this lovely area. Shop and pub 500 yards.£128From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Inverness, ScotlandDarris Farmhouse is a spectacular, luxurious holiday home near to the shores of Loch Ness. Situated on an amazing plot of land the farmhouse enjoys a wrap-around garden with panoramic views across pasture to woodland and mountains. The farmhouse has been extended beyond its original nineteenth century dimensions to include an attached, self-contained annexe which sleeps up to three. Darris Farmhouse sleeps nine people in total and is therefore perfect for an extended family, two families or group of friends.
On entering the farmhouse through the front door, there’s a cute vestibule before the hallway. Off to the right is the main living room with wood burner and large Smart TV, and enjoys fantastic views of the dramatic landscape. To the left of the hallway is a large kingsize double bedroom with en-suite shower room. The en-suite is in fact a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, so it serves as a downstairs toilet as well for the living accommodation. Through the Jack-and-Jill bathroom you reach a back hallway which has a door out to the courtyard area of the garden, a useful utility room and then to the right the brilliant open plan kitchen/dining room unveils itself with additional living room and another large Smart TV. This open plan space is accessible from the front hallway too. The kitchen has everything you’ll need to cook up a storm for family and friends and then gather round the large dining table. There’s access from the open-plan space to the patio and large garden. Back to the hallway and upstairs you reach the first-floor accommodation consisting of three large bedrooms and a spacious bathroom. There’s a kingsize double bedroom and a twin room, which are both double-aspect.
The annexe is self-contained, so has a separate entrance to the farmhouse. A few steps from the front door of the farmhouse you find the entrance to the annexe. Inside on the first floor there is a surprisingly large open-plan kitchen/dining/living space. The kitchen in well-equipped, but if yuou are part of a large family it’s more than likely you won’t use it but instead stroll over to the main kitchen in the farmhouse. The living space has a wood burner and large Smart TV, as well as access out to the courtyard garden. Stairs lead up from the living space to a kingsize double bedroom and a single room, as well as possibly the best bathroom in the whole farmhouse. There’s a fabulous freestanding bath with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside.
The garden is large, laid mostly to lawn and enjoys views in all directions. It’s very child and dog friendly, as it’s fully enclosed, and even has a small grassy paddock at the back where dogs can roam about easily from the back door. Darris Farmhouse makes an ideal holiday base for exploring the many delights of the Northern Highlands. Located on the outskirts of the Highland capital of Inverness and close to Loch Ness and the Moray Coast. The area is renowned for its natural beauty along with the many activities available, with fly fishing nearby costing £30 per permit. Other activies include golf, kayaking, water sports, mountain biking, climbing and hill walking to name just a few. Discover some of the many historic sites, such as Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, or stroll along some of the many unspoilt beaches. Beach 23 miles.£330From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Girvan, ScotlandArdstinchar Mews is a lovely terraced cottage located in the charming coastal village of Ballantrae with fantastic views over the sea. This is the ideal base for not only families but small groups of friends to explore the delights of beautiful Ayrshire and this stunning coastline. The local town of Girvan has been voted the ‘Most Dog Friendly Town in the UK’ and Ardstinchar Mews welcomes your four-legged friends.
The property looks across the mouth of Loch Ryan towards Corsewall Point and Northern Ireland, and Ballantrae itself is a pretty village overlooked by the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle. Guests will find plenty of opportunities for fishing nearby, and during the summer months the village hosts a variety of events. There is a visitor information point to help you plan your days and being situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path (a fantastic 100 mile walking route), this coastline is steeped in history. Teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals it is also a haven for bird watchers.
Heading north, the seaside town of Girvan with its harbour and leisure centre with a swimming pool, is only a 15-minute drive away and boat trips can be taken out to Ailsa Craig to see the varied birdlife. The towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick are all good for a day out, with plentiful restaurants, shops and bars. Heading further down the coast, ferries can be taken over to the islands of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible for a day out. Further south, you will find Stranraer situated at the head of Loch Ryan. The town has an array of shops and there are plenty of places to dine out. There are many castles and gardens to visit as well as lovely harbour villages including Portpatrick, Drummore and Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£91From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Ayr, ScotlandThis all on one level cottage situated on a working farm has enclosed private gardens with its own private hot tub and external games room.
The magnificent Ayrshire coastline and countryside is a paradise for walkers, bikers and hikers, with numerous coastal trails and country tracks to explore. The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs along this coastline and is very popular with walkers. The area is steeped in history, with many ruined castles to explore, such as Dunure, Turnberry and Greenan.
A visit and tour of Culzean Castle, designed by Robert Adams and truly one of his masterpieces, is one not to be missed with its dramatic clifftop location, as is a trip to the 18th century Dumfries House, part of the Princes Foundation and home to an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. The 2000-acre estate has been beautifully designed with stunning walks throughout the grounds.
The world-famous Royal Troon golf course is only a 5-minute drive. The pretty seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are only a short drive and there are very good rail links for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow. The islands of Cumbrae and Arran are easily reached for a day out. Beach 3 miles. Pub 1½ miles and shop 2¾ miles.£111From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
